Just because the Marlins have Dan Uggla at second base doesn't mean they plan to ignore the position in the minor leagues. On the contrary, one of their most significant offseason decisions was to move Chris Coghlan from third base to second.

Third baseman Daniel Murphy saved some of his better performances for when Mets vice president Tony Bernazard happened to be in the stands, watching his son Anthony playing for the Dolphins in the same infield.

Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and catcher Chris Iannetta spent most of January working out at Coors Field, just as they did a year ago. Only this time, they participated in the Rockies winter development program with an eye toward being in Colorado's Opening Day lineup. Both spent time in the big leagues at the end of 2006.

When the Indians signed veteran outfielders David Dellucci and Trot Nixon over the winter, Choo's ticket to Triple-A Buffalo was all but punched. Nixon is scheduled to platoon with Casey Blake in right field and start against righthanders, which had been Choo's designated role until Nixon signed.

Oneli Perez did not stand out as a teenager in the Dominican Republic and didn't sign his first pro contract until he was almost 21 years old. But the righthander has had a textbook development since being given a chance by Denny Gonzalez, who heads the White Sox' Dominican operation.